Within the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, lies a residential college known by The Women’s College. The new Centenary Wing and Head of College Residence provides accommodation for 50 students and one family. The design intent was to create an addition to the college that provided visual continuity of building form and materiality.
Existing buildings within The Women’s College are strong, rigid, and rhythmic. They carry a characteristic red brick material quality. Upon the new build, it was intended for the Centenary Wing to embody and reference these qualities. Materials used for the new Centenary Wing included Terracotta and Flame Red from the PGH Bricks Smooth range. The existing brick blades extrude into the landscape. To create consistency, brick blades were again used, protruding from between dormitories which related to the language of the existing college and generated shade from the summer sun, as well as providing visual and acoustic privacy for residents.
Notably, a feature wall of staggered brick blades situated on the west façade faces the University, and helps with both shading and privacy to the Head of College Residence. Internally, the selection of bricks provided qualities of warmth and domesticity to the communal gathering spaces, creating a home away from home for its residents.
Architect: Architectus Brisbane
Photographer: ShuWei Zhang and Chris Wardle
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